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CANADA;
{849 v0 1859.

RB a >
THE HON. A. T. GALT,

FINANGH MINISTER OF CANADA,

QUEBEC:
PRINTED AT THE CANADA GAZETTE OFFICE.

1860,

CANADA:

1849 ro 1859.

THE HON. A. T. GALT,

FINANCE MINISTER OF CANADA.

QUEBEC;
PRINTED AT THE CANADA GAZETTE OFFICE.

1860.

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| of Canada, during the past decade, advantage has been taken of
| the opportunity to correct some inaccuracies which had inad-

| vertently been permitted to occur in the first issue.

j features of Canadian progress, without attempting to enlarge
| upon details. Many subjects of considerable importance have
j necessarily been passed over, and he can only express his satis-

j faction that the public has been kind enough to treat the publica-

In issuing another edition of the following sketch of the progress

The object of the writer has only been to give an outline of the

tion with so much indulgence.

Quebec, Ist March, 1860.

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CANADA:
1849 TO 1859.

4
i

| The history and progress of ‘ the Colonies of Great Britain must
aturally be a subject‘of deep interest to the people of England,
aspecially since the experiment has been fairly tried of entrusting
ese dependencies of the empire with local self-government.

k
| On the one hand, it was contended that: constitutional govern-
ent. could: nat be safely entrusted. to colonists.; while, on. the
Other, it was as.strongly urged.that the institutions under which
sreat Britain had_ herself. attained a position of such power, and
gminence, were capable of being, worked. by her subjects. every-

here; and. that. the vast. resources of her colonial possessions.
would be far more usefully developed by giving. their people the
¢ntire control of their own affairs.

In no part of'the colonial empire has the experiment received'a
fuller- or- fairer trial than-in Canada ; and it'cannot but be inter-
sting: to review the progress: of that country, and to mark how
ar-its- inhabitants have -worthily exercised the power conceded to
hem. Because, if it could be shown that evil’ had: flowed: from-
he concession of self-government in.Canada,.it might well shake
the.. confidence of .those who. desire to give the people. of England.
themselves.a: larger. share in.the government ofthe empire, as.the.
same. objects are equally. sought.in,both countries, and the greater:
the measure. of reform. granted in England, the greater identity
till. be produced with the state of things.in Canada, where the:
Rovernment of the country necessarily, rests:almost wholly upon,
he popular. element.

I propose to give a brief reswmé of the principal subjects which haws in ;
have, within the last ten years, been before the Legislature of p entire
Canada, leaving the statesmen of England to judge how far the | have,
blessings of free institutions have been appreciated or abused by Canada
their colonial brethren. But before proceeding to do so, it may because,
be well to give some slight sketch of the position of public affairs bpplied to
up to 1849. |
| The pre
previousl
lincurred
success
interests
ichange p
‘found her:

and depre

It is not necessary to do more than advert to the fact that serious _
disturbances of the public peace had occurred both in Lower and *
Upper Canada in 1837-8, and that in 1840 the Union of these two |
Provinces took place. For some years succeeding the Union, an
unsettled state of things continued, marked, however, by gradua
concession to the demand for self-government, until 1846, when |
Lord John Russell, then Secretary for the Colonies, first fully
admitted the principle of what is termed responsible government, directly t
and required that the affairs of the country should be administered } .. ,arked
by advisers of the Crown, possessing the confidence of the people, | of the dist
and in harmony with their well-understood wishes. The system } ¢,c¢ the
thus fairly inaugurated, in 1849, may be said to have received its | \ hich tin
final and conclusive acceptance, both by the mother-country and j tical ques
the colony, as from that date no attempt has ever been made to } jhe count
interfere with its free and legitimate operation. The political |
differences and difficulties of Canada have been dealt with by} Under
her own people and Legislature, and Great Britain has never } fact that 1
been required to take part in any local question whatever, except | affairs ;
to give effect, by Imperial legislation, to the express desire of the | vigorous

eet
i natn
°

Provincial Legislature. | and resto

In 1846, England may be said to have fairly abandoned the | hitherto t
colonial system of trade, as in that year the corn laws were | her colon
repealed, and the productions of Canada generally placed on the | the polic;
same footing as those of foreign countries. It was not, however, | she ceas
till 1848, that the differential duties imposed by the Imperial | of others
Legislature upon importations into Canada were repealed, and | ¢? ist
the Province permitted to import whence and how she pleased, | 224 suc
which was still further promoted by the repeal of the navigation | COUT:

ON eS LS RS ee

subjects which ‘laws in 1849, since which date Canada has enjoyed the privilege

» Legislature of | f entirely controlling her own trade, and her own customs dues.

pe how far the have, therefore, taken the year 1849, as that when, politically,
pd or abused by Canada was entirely entrusted with self-government, and also
> do 80, 1t may because, at that date, the principles of free trade were fully
bf public affairs applied to her.
he sehabiatious ; The protective colonial system of Great Britain having been
in Lewes end ‘previously the settled policy of the empire, the province had itself
Aaet theae nes jincurred very heavy liabilities upon public works, dependent for
r the Union. an ween OPO? its continuance, and many other commercial
waniggenenn dual interests had also grown up under it. The sudden and unexpected
itil, \ -, r celen jchange produced very serious disasters ; and in 1849, Canada
‘es en full ‘found herself with an exhausted exchequer, a crippled commerce,
’ Y ‘and depreciated credit. Apart from these financial difficulties,
phe ubietaeebeatad directly traceable to the altered policy of Great Britain, it must be
e administered j remarked that the country had scarcely recovered from the shock
> of the people, jof the disturbances of 1837-8 ; that the Union had brought face ta
| The System / face the opposing influences of English and French Canada,
ve received its | Which time had not yet mitigated ; and that the most serious poli-
er-country and / ticg) questions, both affecting the social and material prosperity of
been made to | the country, had to be dealt with.

The political | |
dealt with by | Under such depressing circumstances, the only hope lay in the
itain has never | fact that the people had at last the management of their own
latever, except | affairs ; and with a country abounding in natural resources, a
s desire of the | vigorous and self-reliant effort would yet overcome all obstacles,

| and restore, upon a more healthy basis, that prosperity which had
bandoned the | hitherto been sought through favours granted by Great Britain to
her colonies, at the expense of her own people. Canada accepted
the policy of England as necessary for the welfare of the empire :
she ceased all applications for aid to be granted to the detriment
of others ; and she has applied herself to the task of developing
her institutions and her resources with a vigour, determination
and success, that have rarely, if ever, been witnessed in any other
country.

orn laws were |
placed on the |
s not, however, |

the Imperial |
repealed, and |
w she pleased, |
he navigation |

In: proceeding: to.review the. great-progressive-steps that;Canada.

has. made: between. 18490. and. 1859, . I, shall, . in, the. first place,
‘advert to those which concern its social and moral government ;
-afterwards; those whiich‘afféet its material’ progress ;- and: finally,
-«démonstrate:the result. as: viewed through: the operation of its
trade:

In accordance with the provisions of the Imperial statute,
establishing: the: constitution: ofthe country; the Legislature con-
sisted, under: the Governor-General, of; a: Legislative Couneil, or

*Upper: House; nominated for life: by the: Crown; and: a Lower
House; elected by: the people:. The: rapid: settlement: of: the
country, especially: of the more newly: opened: districts, soon:

rendered the original allotment: of eighty-four: members: for: the |
Lower: House: insufficient, and: this: evil: was:reformed in: 1863, by

aw increase of the representatives to 130 members:' The franchise
has also: been: reformed: and: extended; the qualification: now being:
$0 dollars:per-annum; or £6 sterling; for freehold: or tenantry: in
towns, and-20:dollars, or: £4: sterling, in rural: districts ; ‘the: prin-
cipal feature inthe change: being the admission of the: tenant: vote
in: the counties-and rural: districts;

The original election law allowed an; almost: unlimited, time for
elections, often producing great violence, and provided no checks
upon ‘voting except: oaths——while: the trial: of -elections- was: both
tedious: and uncertain.. This has been wholly reformed by: limit-

ing. the: duration of an: election: to:two:days, by providing ‘for a. |

perfeet ‘system of registration of votes, and by: the-enactment of an
improved’ system :for the: trial: of contested elections:

The. Legislative Council, or Upper House,, has also been
reformed. by. the. introduction of. the elective. principle—the existing
nominated members retaining their seats for life. The: Province
has been. divided into forty-eight electoral divisions, each returning
one: member, Twelve. are elected every. two years, and they go
out of office after eight years’ service. The House is not subject: to
dissolution ; and it is expected that the result will be to establish

a. body it
‘Apolitics;

4 nots of t
may be

4 The; pr
inately fo
Fin 1849 ;
‘difficult ¢
Esettled:. t
4 Queen, i
} the: city;¢
4 of erectia

3 ©Perhay
4 of constit
9 ance. of.
” The: gene
@ jects, anc
measures
4 have, the
@ efforts. h

and cou!

Canada.
@ the Unic
} Canada
i Special
4% the inte
@ of seve!
@ failure.
a was es
f similar

for Lov

the abs«

burdens

more pt!

ps that:Canada.

Ce;.

the. first i

government ;
+; and: finally,
eration of its

perial statute,
9 islature con-
e Couneil, or

ement: of: the

lon: now: being:
r tenantry: in
cts ; the: prin-
he: tenant: vote

nited, time for
ed no checks
ns- was: both
med'by: limit-

roviding for a. |

actment of! an

s also been
—the existing
‘he: Province
ach returning
and they go
ot subject: to
> to establish

ja. body ina: great dégree: secured’ from the ordinary: excitement of
‘politics; and‘ able to ‘take a.calm:and : dispassionate: review: of: the:
acts of the Lower: House, which: is: elected: for. four: years, and:

ay be:disso! ved ‘by the: Governor General.

The: practice of holding: the, sittings: of: the. Legislature, alter-

jnately for:four: years in; each.section. of. the Province, commenced:
Jin 1849 ; and after a:long.and, protracted struggle, this.extremely.
(difficult question, essentially of a sectional character, has been
ali Haeuas settled. by: the adherence. of. Parliament: to. the decision uf the
7 Queen, in-the selection as the permancnt, seat of government of.
itatibake: bois j the: city: of Ottawa, where the. public. buildings are now in course
nbers: for the | of erection.
od in: 1863, by. |

The: franchise. | of constitutional government, is to provide for the complete. sever-

# ance. of. local. legislation from that.affecting the people at large.
4 The general. Legislature can never properly deal with such. sub-
@ jects, and their introduction tends to distract attention. from: those
7 measures which are of general interesi.
@ have, therefore, received much. attention in Canada, and constant:

Perhaps.the most important step. required for the. perfect: working

Municipal institutions.

efforts. have been made to perfect them, and to give each parish

§ and county. the control of its own internal affairs. In Upper

Canada.a system of municipal local, government existed prior.to

# the Union; but it was in a crude and inefficient form. ‘In. Lower
i Canada the attempt was made to introduce the. system by. the
4 Special Council, which replaced the ordinary Legislature. during
i the interregnum following the rebellion ; but, with the exception
@ of several of the English.counties, the effort proved a complete
q failure.
7 was established, in Upper Canada ;. and in 1850, a measure of.

In 1849, a.complete system, of municipal organization.

similar tendency, but differing somewhat in. detail, was passed
for Lower Canada. In both sections much evil. had arisen from
the absence of all.power to levy local rates for local objects ;. and
burdens were thus thrown upon the general revenue, which. were
more properly chargeable on the localities interested.

The system thus inaugurated, was from time 'to time amended,
as circumstances showed the necessity, until finally, in 1858, the
whole of the laws relating to municipalities in Upper Canada,
were revised and consolidated into one statute. A similar
measure has likewise been prepared for Lower Canada, and was
distributed througho.' the Province during the last Session of the
Provincial Parliament, ,reparatory to its being considered and
finally passed in the sessio: now approaching.

The general features of the municipal law of Upper Canada,
and which, with some modifications suited to the different state
of suciety in Lower Canada, may be stated as the system in force
throughout the Province, are :

The inhabitants of every county, city, town and township, are
constituted corporations, their organization proceeding wholly
upon the elective principle ; and provision is made for the erection
of new municipalities, as the circumstances of the country require,
by their separation from those already existing. A complete
system is created for regulating the elections, and for defining the
duties of the municipalities and of their officers. Their powers
may be generally stated to embrace everything of a local nature,
including—the opening and maintenance of highways ; the erec-
tion of school-houses, and the support of common and grammar
schools ; the provision of accommodation for the administration
of justice, gaols, &c., and the collection of rates for their support,
as well as for the payment of petty jurymen ; granting shop and
tavern licenses ; regulating and prohibiting the sale of spirituous
liquors ; providing for the suppoit of the poor ; preventing the
obstruction of streams ; effecting drainage, both in the cities and
country ; inspection of weights and measures ; enforcing the due
observance of the Sabbath, and protection of public morals ;
establishing and regulating ferries, harbours, markets, &c. ;
abating nuisances ; making regulations for, and taking precau-
tions against, fires ; establishing gas and water works ; making
police regulations ; levying rates upon all real and personal pro-

Saas

. perty, i

Sota

) all poss

borrowi
essentiz

The jt
going 1

vation
but in t
district
general
local q
matters
rejectin

Pass
the mod
munici
regard
bearing

The
parts.
instruc
second
univer:

Asr
Upper
1846, |
tenden
the gri
to the
Europ
operat
inquit
whicl

ime amended,
y, in 1858, the
pper Canada,
- A similar
hada, and was
Session of the
sidered and

pper Canada,
lifferent state
stem in force

ownship, are
eding wholly
pr the erection
ntry require,
A complete
t defining the
Their powers
local nature,
ys; the erec-
ind grammar
lministration
heir support,
ing shop and
of spirituous
eventing the
he cities and
cing the due
lic morals ;
tkets, &c. ;
ing precau-
KS; making
ersonal pro-

7 perty, including incomes for all purposes; and, for certain objects,

a eT

borrowing money ; together with a great number of minor matters
essential for the good government of a community.

The present municipal system of Canada, of which the fore-
going is a brief and imperfect sketch, is believed to provide for
all possible local legislation, and has been framed upon an obser-
vation of the working of these institutions, not only in England,

| but in the United States, the result being to secure for each local

district the most perfect control of its own affairs. Under it the
general legislature is freed from the necessity of considering any
local question ; and the people themselves have, in all important
matters, the opportunity, by a popular vote, of considering and
rejecting the action of their own municipal representatives.

Passing from the previous questions, which relate to reforms in
the mode of governing the country, both generally and through
municipalities, I will now advert to that which has been done in
regard to education, which certainly has the most important
bearing on the future welfare of the country.

The educational question may be divided into two distinct
parts.. First. The provision of common schools for the general
instruction of the people in the rudiments of learning. And,
secondly. The establishment of superior schools, colleges and

universities.

As regards common schools, much attention had been given in
Upper Canada to this subject at all times ; but it was not until
1846, that it was reduced to a system. The very able Superin-
tendent of Schools in Upper Canada, Dr. Ryerson, is entitled to
the greatest credit for the labour and talent which he has devoted
to the subject. He was deputed by the Government to visit
Europe, for the purpose of examining the best school systems in
operation. And after a lengthened examination, the result of his
inquiries was finally embodied in several Acts of Parliament,
which provide for the establishment of schovl districts in every

12:

part: of: Canada ; every child: is. entitled to. education ; and/for
the support:of:thée system, a rate is struck by. each municipality,
in addition to a contribution: of: £90,000: from the provincial
exchequer. Each school district is under the management of

} and, u
* the las
» schools
of com!

local trustees chosen by the people—who are again subject to

inspection by officers appointed: by the County Councils, periodical y. Fort
returns being made to the Superintendent of Education. The | . Prosres
Superintendent himself is assisted’ by a Council of Instruction, MOR, | F
chosen from the leading men of the Province, without regard to | with it
religion or politics. The order of tuition and the school-books | schools
are settled’ by the Council and Superintendent. Libraries of Upper
useful books, maps, &c., carefully selected, are also supplied’ at Canadi
cost’ price to the different municipalities. For the purpose of pro- lands, 4
viding fit instructors for the common schools, Normal schools in addi
haye been established in both sections of the Province—both for In bo
male and female teachers—and much care: is devoted to their, ments,
effectual training. affiliati
Permanent provision is also:sought to be-made for’ the: support ihe
of common schools, through large appropriations of ‘valuable: va
lands. Cari
and sé
The system: of: teaching in Upper Canada is: non-sectarian,. but which
provision: is made for the establishment of Roman Catholic sepa- Univer
rate:schools, In’ Lower Canada, owing to. the: population: being with t
principally Roman Catholic, though the system is also:non-sec- lege, 1
tarian, yet the education is mainly in the hands of the clergy, and Lowe!
provision is made for Protestant separate schools, which equally Unive:
share in all the benefits of the local rates and legislative provision. contril
The result of this system may be summed: up by:stating that eos
by the last report-of the Superintendent. of Education for-Upper by the
Canada; there were in 1858; 3,866 schools, 293,683 scholars. tary c
In: Lower Canada, considerable repugnance existed. to the, He .
imposition. ofthe necessary direct:taxation,to maintain the system ; . pare

but by very. great efforts, this. feeling has been entirely overcome ;,

attain

tion ; and;for:

municipality,
he provincial
nagement of
1in subject to
ils, periodical
cation, The
f Instruction,
ut regard to
school-books
Libraries of
supplied’ at
rpose of pro-
rmal schools
ce—both for
oted to their.

the« support
of ‘valuable:

ctarian,. but
tholic-sepa-
ation: being
lso:non-sec-
clergy, and
ch equally
© provision.

stating that
1 for-Upper
holars.

ted. to the.
he system ;
overcome: ;,

sieiae sda tes

‘and, ‘under the able: superintendence of the Hon. P.O: Chauveau,
‘the last ‘report ‘for 1858, shows the following results : 2;800
igchools, .180}940 scholars,-eontrasting with'an almost ‘total neglect
of common schools but a few years previous.

‘For the purpose-of -affording superior education, but little real

{ progress had been made until after the organization of the com-

mon school system, when there was established in connection
with it a higher class of instruction through the means of grammar

1 schools, which are now very generally to be found throughout

Upper Canada, and also, to a more limited extent, in Lower
Canada. These schools are also supported by. grants of public
lands, and by partial contribution from the common school grant,
in addition to the local rates.

In: both sections of the Province, numerous educational establish-
ments, of the nature of colleges, are established ; most of them in
affiliation to some of the universities.

The universities in Upper or Western Canada consist---of the
University of Toronto, non-sectarian, which is very largely
endowed by the Province, and which is now in a most. prosperous
and satisfactory condition. The University of Trinity College,
which is under the auspices of the Church of England, the
University of Queen’s College, Kingston, which is in ‘eorneeHih
with the Church of.Seotland, and the University ‘of Victoria Col-
lege, in connection with the Wesleyan Methodist ‘Church. In
Lower -Canada, the Roman Catholics have established the
University of Laval, which is wholly supported by voluntary
contributions, and which, though comparatively recent, promises
to be of the greatest value to the country. The University of
M’Gill College, originally established: through a munificent bequest

by the late _Hon. J. M’Gill, and almost wholly supported by volan-

tary contributions, is non-sectarian, and is now:in.a very flourish-
ing state. The Church of England have also the University of
Bishop’s “College, ‘supported ‘almost solely by that Church, and
“which, though comparatively new, will, it is believed, speedily
attain'a position‘of great usefulness.

It would occupy to much space too enlarge upon the course of
instruction at these institutions, but it may be stated that they all
contain the usual professors of classics, belles letires, law and
medicine.

With the single exception of the M’Gill College, which has

-whole of these institutions may be said to have risen within the

University of Toronto existed in another form---as a college under

the Church of England, for many years, but its usefulness was |

entirely marred by the constant struggle to free it from its sectarian

character, which was only effected in 1845 ; from which date it |
may be said to have risen into its present highly important posi- |

‘tion.

‘TP possesse
jneously
ending
yquestio
Han Esta}
: : rks Bthe inhe
long existed, but until very recently in a languishing state, the | ohevil

f : 4% made, b
last ten years, and they are mainly, if not wholly, supported by |

voluntary contributions and endowments. It is true that the —

The total number of educational institutions in operation in |

Upper Canada in 1858, was 4,259, attended by 306,386 pupils,

‘and expending 1,512,386 dollars in their support. In Lower ‘

Canada, during the same year, the total number of institutions
was 2,985, attended by 156,872 pupils, and expending 981,425
dollars in their support.

There have been two questions which, more than any others, ’

4 to their

TR, ea

have agitated the public mind in Canada, and produced the :

greatest bitterness and animosity. Each was peculiar to its own 4
In Upper Canada, the Clergy Reserves ; j
The @
former has indeed been regarded by many as the prominent |
cause of the outbreak in 13837, while the latter has been an |
incubus of the most fatal character upon the industry and intelli- |

section of the Province.
and in Lower Canada, the Feudal or Seignorial Tenure.

gence of Lower Canada.

The Clergy Reserves were an appropriation of one-seventh of
the land of Upper Canada, made_ by the Imperial Legislature for

the support of a Protestant clergy. They were claimed, and |

4 renewed
i that a
; acting u

| and pro
4 ing stipe
4 for wid

compro

plete se]

and fun¢

carried «

4 an evil '

In Le
upon tl
by the |
is fami
every <
Civil ir
of Euro
many —
repress
charact
in the
setting
Canad
progre:
duced

1 the course of |
od that they all
letires, law and

re, which has

en within the

m its sectarian _
which date it |

important posi- |

operation in |

06,386 pupils,
tt. In Lower
of institutions
nding 981,425

gy Reserves ;
Tenure,

he prominent

has been an |

ry and intelli. |

h any others, |
produced the ;
liar to its own 4

The

e-seventh of |

egislature for

claimed, and |

; but, étinaie-
d originally, by the Church of England ;

femal dt churches asserted their rights, and a never-

sending ‘agitation was kept up on the subject. It raised the

3 question of a connection between Church and State, as well as of

#an Established Church, both being obnoxious to a large class of

the inhabitants of the Province ; and it proved the fruitful cause
shing state, the | of evil of every kind. Many unsuccessful attempts had been

4 made, both by the Impcrial Legislature and by the Colony, to
, Supported by © ’

ee renewed with increased bitterness ; and it was not until 1854,
college under } that a final settlement could be arrived at.
usefulness was acting under the authority of an Imperial Act, decreed the com-

} plete separation of the State from all connection with any Church,

i ion ; i itation was
compromise the question ; but in every case the ag

The Legislature,

| and provided that a commutation equivalent to the value of exist-
ing stipends should be paid to the incumbents, and, after taste
for widows and orphans of clergy, divided the remaining lan
and funds amongst the municipalities of Upper Canada, Homer
to their respective population. This measure has been fully .
carried out, and the Province has at length found a solution for
an evil that had convulsed it since its earliest settlement.

In Lower Canada the disastrous effect of the Feudal Tenure
upon the progress of the people can scarcely be understood now
by the people of England ; to the student of history, however, it
is familiar, through its effects in Europe, where its sess in
every country has been the result of long-protracted struggles.
Civil insurrection, bloodshed and crime have marked the progress
of Europe in casting off this burden ; and though stripped of
many of its worst features in Canada, yet the system remained,
repressive of the industry of the people, degrading nee in
character, and effectually precluding Lower Canada from s mee
in the flow of population and wealth, which was so steadily
setting in to every other part of N orth America, The Aa
Canadians had grown up under this system for years ; but the
progress around them had awakened their intelligence, and_ pro-
duced that strong movement in the masses which betokened a

‘I6

- steady: persistent-effort, at:all “hazards, ‘to ‘free themedlves from'll

every ‘trace of ‘serfdom. No more difficult .problem could be |
Offered for solution to.‘a Legislature, than the settlement of:a: ques- |
tion which had ‘its roots: in the: very fundamental: lawsiof property, |
and ‘which could :not be approached . without endangering the |

destruction of the whole ‘social edifice ; ‘and the:difficulty:was-not

vdecreased ‘by the fact that the ‘body which had.to deal with it |

eonsisted, to the extent of one-half, of representatives: from sda

Canada, who: might not unnaturally suppose they had:no ir ame- |

diate ‘interest in it. This problem ‘has, however, been solved, ;

and by the Acts of 1854, and of:last Session, the .Feudal Tenure |
has been completely - extinguished: i in Canada, and: lands are now |
held by freehold tenure:equally in both sections of the Province. |

tenure has been abolished, on payment ofa certain amount by

progress of the Lower Province ;

that which, more than ‘any athe, has been charged ‘against the |
‘Government of Canada, as a lavish and ‘wasteful outlay of public |

‘money. One: single week of ‘disturbance of the ‘public ‘peace | chest, as

would ‘have ‘eost the ‘Province vastly more than the indemnity |

“cents, or

bats 4 fferd
The rights of property have been respected; no confiscation has | ghabern
taken place, but, with the consent of all interested,-the obnoxious 1 power o
Qwith a fr
each tenant, and bya contribution of about £650,000 from the |
-Province : generally. A social revolution has thus been quietly, | while th

‘and without excitement, effected, :at a most trivial cost to the Mand mai

country, which will be repaid a ‘hundredfold ‘by the increased 4
and yet this very measure is |

given'to‘those whose rights of ‘property ‘were ‘required ‘to »be ‘sur- |

‘rendered for the public good.
“working of constitutional ‘Government which should encourage |
‘its friends, it'is the fact that ‘the people of Canada have ‘been |
‘themselves ‘able ‘to -approach ‘and deal’ with'such'a question as
this without excitement, disturbance, or‘individual ‘wrong.

‘The Settlement:of the country! has‘at: all:times:been:a:subject of |

<deép:interest‘in' Canada, and has:been promoted in évery possible |
; Bmni iain’ ef tea ge ‘ @law, for
‘way. ‘Emiprants are ‘received -on ‘arrival:at the quarantine har- | vere Bos
‘bour, ‘where hospitals and medical .care are provided free of | y 8

‘If ‘there be one - point in the whole

Ms made

ipharge ; ;
tion on
lestituti

ghem—t

“etal i
munities

onditio

settlers tl

The ac
Mtrict, is
may be t

further Ic
of publi
splace,. an
@of road i

of acres |
@the publi

For tt
and grav

pharge ; they receive from Government officers reliable informa-
ion on every point necessary for their welfare. In case of
lestitution, they are forwarded to their friends ; and every effort

) @s made to protect them from the frauds and impositions of
pieced gg ig Hesigning persons, to which they are so mueh exposed at New
ndangering the |

ficulty:-was-not § ba

1to deal with it 7
ives from Upper |
y had :no irame- 7
r, been solved, ; |

hemsé¢lves :from i |
oblem could be |
ment of:a: ques- |

Leading roads are opened by the Government in the remoter
parts of the Province, and free grants of land are made upon
hem---the price of ordinary land in these townships is fixed at 70

ents, or about 3s. sterling, per acre, for cash, or 4s. sterling (1
ete Tomure | dollar), if on credit. To enable large proprietors or small com-
ands are now |

; Fnunities to establish united settlements, townships of 50,000 acres
of the Province. Yare offered for sale at 2s. sterling, per acre, for cash, subject to

onfiscation has 4 onditions of settlement. By these arrangements, it is within the
, the obnoxious | power of almost every one to become the proprietor of a farm,

‘tain amount by | with a free title for ever, and subject to no other charges than the

1,000 from the \ settlers themselves, under the municipal system, choose to impose ;
s been quietly, while the education law provides for the gradual establishment
al cost to the and maintenance of schools.
y the increased | 3

ry measure is @ The action of the Government in the settlement of a new dis-
ged against the |

@trict, is confined to the opening of the leading county road, as it
putlay of public @may be termed. No further expenditure is made from the public
‘public ‘peace 4 chest, as the municipal system makes ample provision for all the
‘the indemnity | further local. wants of the people. Under this plan an expenditure
ed ‘to ‘be ‘sur- | of public money to the extent of about £15,000 per annum takes
tin the whole place, and it has produced the construction of hundreds of miles
puld encourage of road in the interior of the country, rendering accessible millions
da have ‘been of acres of fine land, which through its sale gradually reimburses
‘a question ds the public. exchequer.
“wrong.

nee

ee ee

' § For the construction and maintenance of macadamized, plank
sete : Gand gravel roads, the Legislature has provided, through a general
chs ak aaa law, for the organization of road companies. This law has been
sesresives hier very. generally acted upon in Upper or Western Canada, and

vided free of |

ae Sas ae

ee a ee —
teacher a en = = ee ee -
eee Se : = = = =.

erent,

Reece a er
i nd ASE eee

eee

"|
y
4

18
instead of almost impassable tracks through the forest, the country

parts.

The very valuable Fisheries of the Gulf and River St. Law- |

rencé, as well as of the Great Lakes, have also formed the subject §

of legislative care ; and in 1858, an Act was passed providing i

for their protection and proper management. This Act has as)
yet been too short a time in operation to permit reference to |
results achieved ; but there can be no doubt that it will be fraught |
with the greatest public advantage, especially. in the River St. |

Lawrence, where the fisheries are perfectly inexhaustible, under |
proper supervision, and where, from the severity of the climate, |
the inhabitants are mainly dependent upon them. A hardy class j

of seamen will hereby be provided, and a new source of wealth |
and trade be developed.

In attending to the great interests of the people, the Legislature 4
have not neglected those subjects which now so largely interest |

philanthropic minds. The care of lunatics has engrossed much |
attention, and admirable asylums are provided for them, where |
they receive the most skilful and approved treatment. In Upper |
Canada, a local rate provides for a large part of the expenditure ; |
but legislative aid is required to the extent of about £12,500, |
with an equal sum for similar institutions in Lower Canada.

As regards criminals, a Provincial Penitentiary receives those |

to whom a long period of servitude is attached ; they are there |
taught various trades, and compelled to contribute to the cost of |
their own maintenance. Their labour is let out by contract to}
tradesmen, and by employment, and the acquisition of the know- |
ledge of some handicraft, the endeavour is made to provide them, |
on their return to society, with the means of gaining an honest}

livelihood, without the temptation of want to cause their recur-/|
rence to ond courses. For the reformation of the young, reforma- i, 4) inig
tory prisons, have been opened within the last year, under an Act @ gif;
passed in 1858; and by careful and judicious training it is!

4 hoped f
is now traversed by excellent roads through all its more settled Jegards

its pract

Wgreatly s

inspecti
is hd
nd mis

Nor h
since 18
-R.S.
already
ade nc
ery int
purvey
and extd
ens at

The
ontribu
hat at Q

i ot, how
institutic
Bing evic

@wholly t

Amon
of Cana
carefully
English

respect,
In Lowe
and dec¢e
easy rea

rest, the country |;
its more settled 4

A hardy class |
source of wealth |

the Legislature 4
largely interest |

receives those |
; they are there |
te to the cost of |
by contract to}
bn of the know- |
0 provide them, |
ining an honest |
se their recur-|
young, reforma- |
r, under an Act;
training it is!

hoped that many juvenile offenders may be reclaimed.

As
pgards the prisons generally, by the Act of 1858, a Government
Wspection, of the most searching kind, has been established, and
is hoped will be effectual in remedying much of the evil
nd misery of the indiscriminate confinement of criminals.

Nor has science been wholly overlooked---Canada having had,
since 1844, under the able superintendence of Sir William Logan,
.R.S., a systematic geological survey in progress, which has
already been of the greatest value to the Province, whilst it has
ade no mean contributions to the stock of knowledge in this
ery interesting science. The annual reports of the geological
murvey of Canada, may be appealed to as evidence of the value
and extent of the service performed ; while the display of speci-
ens at the London and Paris exhibitions, amply. demonstrated

; its practical character.

The Toronto Observatory is also well known for its valuable
ontributions to astronomical and meteorological science ; and
hat at Quebec is also rising into deserved notice. My space will
mot, however, permit me to do more than notice the fact that such
tnstitutions exist, and are valued and promoted in Canada, afford-
Ging evidence that the progress of the country is not confined
wholly to material objects.

Among other reforms which have characterized the legislation
of Canada, during the past ten years, the criminal law has been
carefully revised and amended ; while in Upper Canada, where
English law prevails, the proceedings of the courts have been
greatly simplified, and stripped of technical difficulties ; in this
respect, fully keeping pace with the legal reforms of England.
In Lower Canada, the whole plan of judicature has been changed
and decentralized, so as to bring the redress of legal wrongs within
easy reach of every one ; while the expenses attendant on the
administration of justice have, within the last two years, been
modified and greatly reduced.

yn nee

i a Cs

eee a =
RO eT a Se et ee he a
ara} eg i= =o

——

Se oe
=

he en
= = +

The whole statutory law of Canada has been consolidated into |
three volumes, a work of great labour and corresponding value. §
For the achievement of this important work, the Province is deeply . j
indebted to the late Sir James Macaulay, ex-Chief Justice of |

Common Pleas in Upper Canada, who only lived to see his work,
and that of his able coadjutors, completed by the issue of the new

consolidated statutes within the last two months. To have |
reduced within such compass the entire statutory law of the |
country since its conquest, is no mean achievement ; and the |

removal of contradictions and ambiguities in existing laws, is not
the least valuable part of the work.

In Lower Canada, a commission is now sitting, charged by

Parliament with the codification of the French law, after the |
manner of the Code Napoleon. The work is one of much labour, |
and can scarcely be completed within less than three years. |
Canada will then possess, in a consolidated and condensed form, ‘

her complete body of law, notwithstanding she has had to deal j Panay

with two entirely distinct and different systems.

In the foregoing observations I have only been able very briefly q
to allude to the more prominent subjects of legislation since 1849 ; |
there are many others, of a highly important character, which, did §

my space permit, I would gladly cite in support of my argument
on behalf of the general policy of Canada ; but surely the system

cannot be either intrinsically bad, or administered by vicious |

instruments, which has produced within ten years---

A thorough reform of the Legislature ;

An extension of the franchise, and registraton of votes ;

A complete system of municipal self-goverment ;

A perfect system of elementary and superior education ;
The separation of Church and State ; and

The settlement of the Clergy Reserve question ;

The abolition of the Feudal Tenure ;

Provision for emigration and the settlement of the country ;

—

The c
| The
) Thee

g
The p

The re
The si
The cc
The cd

I will
@uring t
Mvhich,
ystem.

Canad

Preste

he disch
rie, lat.
pasterly
rains a
@matural ¢
he State:
@Michigar
4 or the §S
@Michigar
@rincipal
Bn its nat
Wore, the
Lawrence

| apids, ¢

@eransport
mall fi:
perfectly

onsolidated into |
sponding value. i
‘ovince is deeply. j
thief Justice of §
to see his work, |

issue of the new
nths.

To have |
ry law of the |
ement ; and the |
‘ing laws, is not |

ig, charged by
h law, after the |
of much labour, |
in three years. |
condensed form, *
has had to deal 3

rely the system

P country ;

@he ocean at the Gulfof St. Lawrence to Lake Superior, the
vesternmost of the great lakes.
ble very briefly 4
ion since 1849 ; F
ter, which, did @
f my argument |
matural channel to the ocean, not merely for Canada, but also for
ered by vicious |

mor the States lying to the west and north-west of the lakes

Principal part of the cereal crop of America is produced—bulky
#gn its nature, comparatively low in its value, and requiring, there-
More, the cheapest mode of transport to market. The River St.

Fopids, could not, in the early history of the country, be used for
@ransport, except by the tedious and expensive employment of
imal! flat boats.
@erfectly seaworthy, and the laws of the empire themselves inter-

@uring the same period, in the direction of material progress, and

The care of lunatics ;

The management of criminals ;

The establishment of reformatory prisons and supervision of
gaols ;

The promotion of science ;

The reform of the criminal code ;

The simplification of the civil laws ;

The consolidation of the statute law ; and

The codification of the French law.

.
4

I will now proceed to speak of the efforts made by Canada

which, I think, equally attest the beneficial working of our
ystem.

Canada occupies a position in North America, extending from

The River St. Lawrence forming
e discharge of these lakes, finds its most southerly point in Lake
rie, lat. 42°; and from thence proceeds in a general north-
asterly direction to its entrance into the Gulf, lat. 50°. It thus
rains a vast extent of the interior of the continent, and forms the

he States of Western New York, Western Pennsylvania, Ohio,
Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana--and, it may be added,

This great district is that wherein the

ichigan and Superior.

awrence, being interrupted above Montreal by formidable

The lakes could only be navigated by vessels

posed insuperable obstacles to the St. Lawrence becoming the
route through which foreign trade could reach the seaboard. The

importance of the trade of the country round the great lakes was J
early seen ; and the construction of the Erie Canal by the State |
of New York speedily demonstrated, through its success, the |

magnitude of the prize to be contended for.

Canada, divided into two Provinces, still more divided by
having two distinct national races, and fettered by the commercial
policy and navigation laws of Great Britain, was but ill prepared
to develop the superior advantages of the natural channel by the
St. Lawrence.
construction of the Welland Canal, between Lakes Erie and
Ontario, on a small.inexpensive scale, by Upper Canada the
Rideau Canal, made by the British Government for military
purposes, and the Lachine Canal, built by Lower Canada, proved
that, even prior to 1830, public attention was directed to the
importance of securing a share of the trade of the great lakes.

The wonderful rapidity with which the States bordering on the
lake-waters filled. up---the rush of emigration from all parts
towards them--the growth of cities and the extension of com-
merce, increased the efforts to facilitate communication between
this district and the ocean. But the wafortunate insurrection in
Canada of 1837-38, paralysed all her efforts, and years elapsed
before they could be renewed. The first step was taken under
Lord Sydenham, in 1841, after the union of Upper with Lower
Canada, when the Imperial Government granted their guarantee
for a loan of £1,500,000, to promote the enlargement of the
Welland Canal, and the construction of canals to obviate the

rapids of the St. Lawrence, between Lake Ontario and Montreal. §

These works were vigorously pressed forward ; and the Province
was still further excited to redoubled effort and increased outlay,
by the Imperial Act of 1843, which permitted American wheat,
ground in Canada, to be shipped to England as colonial, thus

giving an indirect advantage to trade from the United States |

through Canada.

necessa

But still the effort was commenced ; and the J

The ¢
pleted i
then pos
to Lak
Michige

itself s
magnifi
them e
making
and po
had me
in the
element
which

formed,
part of

Expe
sufficier
Montrez
landed |
be nuga
Americ:
port for
Liverpo
the othe
insuran
and fre
lighthon
and Qu
feet, du

Befo
been p!
done to
rence.

becoming the
eaboard. The

e divided by
ne commercial
ut ill prepared
shannel by the
iced ; and the
kes Erie and
er Canada the
| for military
anada, proved
rected to the
eat lakes,

rdering on the
‘om all parts
sion of com-
ation between
isurrection in
years elapsed
taken under
r with Lower
cir guarantee
yement of the
» obviate the

and Montreal. §

| the Province
eased outlay,
erican wheat,
colonial, thus

United States §

reat lakes was J
al by the State |
success, the |

The canal system of Canada was, in a great measure, com-
pleted in 1846, though improved and extended since ; and she
then possessed a navigation for vessels of 800 tons from the ocean
to Lake Ontario, and of 400 tons to Lakes Erie, Huron and
Michigan. But the repeal of the corn laws--an admittedly
necessary measure---then supervened, and the Province found
itself subject to a debt of 20,000,000 dollars---possessing the most
magnificent canals in the world, but without any trade to support
them except her own---debarred by the navigation laws from
making them useful to foreign vessels---and opposed to the wealthy
and powerful influences of New York, and the connections they
had meantime formed in the west. In 1849, the legal difficulties
in the way of trade were finally removed ; but ere this, a new
element had been developed through the construction of railways,
which tended to maintain trade in the channels it had already
formed, and which could only be met by similar efforts on the
part of Canada, |

Experience had, however, fully demonstrated that it was not
sufficient to prove that produce could be moved from the West to
Montreal at one-half the charge to New York ; it required to be
landed in Liverpool at less cost, or the whole previous effort must
be nugatory. New York was the great commercial emporium of
America ; it possessed an enormous commerce ; it was the chosen
port for emigration ; and from all these causes, ocean freights to
Liverpool were reduced to a minimum. The St. Lawrence, on
the other hand, was reported as a most dangerous navigation ;
insurance was very high, from the inferior character of the ships,
and from the river and gulf not being properly provided with
lighthouses ; and the shoals of Lake St. Peter, between Montreal
and Quebec, limited the trade to vessels drawing not over 11}
feet, during the summer low water.

Before proceeding to state how far railway communication has
been provided for the country, I will briefly state what has been
done to remove the difficulties in navigating the River St. Law-
rence. Numerous and excellent lighthouses have been built, the

PEEL I RAEN TORRE LOAM AI

}
t
%
‘ij
i
%
iy
.

system of pilotage has been revised and improved, tug-boats of
great power have been furnished to the trade, at very moderate
rates, and the depth of water between Quebec and Montreal has
been incrcased by dredging, to permit the passage of vessels.
drawing 18 feet 6 inches.

The result of these measures has undoubtedly been most bene-
ficial, and is shewn by the rates of insurance now being only in
excess of those from New York during the early and late periods
of navigation, while the increased capacity of the vessels in the
trade has considerably reduced freights.

In addition to the natural obstacles to be overcome, and the
competition with the United States which had to be encountered,
Canada also found her efforts most seriously weakened through
the policy of the Imperial Government, in subsidising the Cunard
line of steamers to Boston and New York ; which by reducing
freights to, and facilitating intercourse with these American cities,
offered indirectly a bounty, to the extent of the subsidy, in their
favour, and against the route vid the St. Lawrence. The original
establishment of this steamship line was unquestionably of great
benefit, but the persistent renewal of the contract, when the
necessity for it had ceased, and when its injury to Canada had
been demonstrated, is a grave cause of complaint, and has forced
upon Canada the adoption of measures for the maintenance of
direet intercourse .with Great Britain, carrying on her own trade
through her own waters, and by her own ships.

To remedy the evil effects of the policy of England, Canada
has been obliged to subsidise a weekly line of ‘steamships of her

own, at an expense of £45,000 per annum, and it is a subject of |

the highest gratification to know, that the advantages of the St.
Lawrence xuute to Liverpool are at length being thoroughly under-
stood and appreciated. It is now proved that the ocean voyage
from the St. Lawrence, upon the average of twenty-six passages:
in 1859, westward from Liverpool to Quebec, has been only
eleven days and five hours ; and irom Quebee to Liverpool, ten

days and
than has
sively est

Until tl
that the
to her a |
ways te
immedia
proportio
evident th
intercour,
balance
season 0
her unriv
therewit
large out

In und
through
ocean, th
its own
inducemé
directed 1
success |
details, v

the Gove:

In 184!

| by the Ps

miles in

® Northern

Grand T)
the effect
and the ¢
Line of I

§ Trank Li

d, tug-boats of
ery moderate
| Montreal has
ge of vessels.

nN most bene-
being only in
d late periods.
vessels in the

me, and the
- encountered,
rened through
ig the Cunard

by reducing
nerican Cities,
sidy, in their

The original
ably of great
st, when the
» Canada had
nd has forced
intenance of
ler own trade

land, Canada
nships of her

s a subject of |

ges of the St.
ughly under-
ocean voyage
1X passages:
jas been only
siverpool, ten

days and three hours ; these results showing a better average
than has ever before been made across the Atlantic, and conclu-
sively establishing the superiority of the Canadian route.

Until the introduction of railways, it was confidently believed
that the completion of the canal system of Canada would secure
to her a large share of the western trade ; but not only did rail-
ways tend to retain the trade in existing channels, but their
immediate effect was to divert from the St. Lawrence a large
proportion of the trade of Western Canada itself. It became
evident that the facilities thus afforded for rapid and uninterrupted
intercourse with the Atlantic cities, would more than counter-
balance the greater cheapness of the St. Lawrence during the
season of navigation, and that unless Canada could combine with
her unrivalled inland navigation, a railroad system connected
therewith, and mutually sustaining each other, the whole of her
large outlay must for ever remain unproductive.

In undertaking the construction of a railway system passing
through Canada, which should connect the great lakes with the
ocean, the Province did not propose to effect this entirely through
its own resources ; the Legislature only sought to offer such
inducements to capitalists as might cause their attention to be
directed to Canada, believing that such works as railways, the
success of which is almost wholly dependent upon attention to
details, were better under private management than under that of
@ the Government.

= 6In 1849, an Act was passed pledging a 6 per cent. guarantee
§ by the Province on one-half the cost of all railways of 75 miles
miles in extent. And under this Act, the Great Western, the
a Northern, and the St. Lawrence and Atlantic, (now part of the
Grand Trunk) were commenced. Subsequently, in 1852, fearing
the effect of an indiscriminate guarantee, this law was repealed,
and the guarantee of one-half the cost confined to one Main Trunk
§ Line of Railway throughout the Province. In 1852, the Grand
Trank Line from Montreal to Toronto, and from Quebec to Riviére-

\
}
|
f
i)
y

SS AE ae

doar ome Sr igse eg OTs ae

Sonoma

= ae atin emmy

du-Loup, was incorporated as part of the Main Trunk Line, with a
stipulated advance by way of loan of £3,000 per mile, the line
from Quebec to Richmond having already been commenced as
part of the Main Trunk Line under the original Act. In 1853,
Acts were passed providing for the amalgamation of all the com-
panies forming the Main Trunk Line, with powers to construct
the Victoria Bridge, connecting the lines west of Montreal with
those leading to Quebec and Purtland, and also authorizing the
lease, in perpetuity, of the American line, connecting the Canadian
railway system with the ocean at Portland, U. S., which, from its
admirable harbour, and from being the nearest port to the St.
Lawrence, was selected as the point through which the winter
trade of Canada could be most advantageously carried on. This
city is, therefore, now the Atlantic terminus of the Canadian

railway system in winter, and has been adopted as the port to ff

which the Canadian line of steamships ply while the navigation
of the St. Lawrence is interrupted. Efforts have been repeatedly
made, as well by Canada as by New Brunswick and Nova
Scotia, to induce the Imperial Government to promote the
extension of the Grand Trunk Railway to some colonial winter
port, but without success; and it is as yet wholly beyond the
power of the Provinces, unaided, to construct a line which is
more valuable on national than on commercial grounds.

The result of the legislation to which allusion has been made,
has been the formation of the Grand Trunk Railway Company,
whose gigantic works are at length on the point of completion ;
and of this company it may be truly said, that, comprising 1,112
miles of rail, of which no less than 1,092 miles are strictly a
trunk line, constructed in the most permanent manner, and con-
necting the American railway system west of the great lakes with

‘ the ocean, at Portland in winter, and at- Montreal, Quebec and
Riviére-du-Loup in summer, it presents, probably, the most com- |
plete and comprehensive railway system in the world; and, taken

in connection with the unequalled inland navigation of the St.

Lawrence, it cannot fail to attract a large share of the vast and §

increasit
vince of
cation.

The d
enterpris
the valu
page of
come to
were pa
over the
compan)
of the st

In ade
have wi
railway

The Gre
The No
The Bu
And oth

an
The Gre

Thus
operatio
charge t
receivec
will, it i
which i;
Victoria
traffic f
Canada
gation i
railway
it is bel

k Line, with a
mile, the line
ommenced as
t. In 1853,
of all the com-
s to construct
ontreal with
thorizing the
the Canadian
hich, from. its
port to the St.
the winter
ied on. This
he Canadian

le navigation
en repeatedly
ick and Nova
promote the
lonial winter
ly beyond the
ine which is
nds.

is been made,
ay Company,
f completion ;
aprising 1,112
3 are strictly a
ler, and con-
eat lakes with

Quebec and

the most com- |
\d; and, taken §

tion of the St.

’ the vast and =

as the port to J

increasing traffic of the west, while it affords to the whole Pro-
vince of Canada the greatest possible facilities for intercommuni-
cation.

The difficulties attendant on the prosecution of this immense
enterprise, arising from the Russian war, and consequent rise in
the value of money, induced the Legislature to prevent the stop-
page of works so essential to the prosperity of the Province, to
come to the relief of the company, and in 1856 and 1857, Acts
were passed giving the private capital of the company priority
over the provincial first lien of £3,111,500. By this measure the
company were enabled to raise additional funds, and the wisdom
of the step is now seen in the full completion of the undertaking.

In addition to the Grand Trunk Railway, the last ten years
have witnessed the completion of the following additional lines of
railway in Canada :

The Great Western. ....cee ccccccccscccsccee+eee 307 miles,
Whe NOMUGH bss aeecescereseteheveteerceccsse OF *
The Buffalo and Lake Huron........ceccscceeeee 159 &*
And other minor lines of a more local character,
amounting in all to.....scccecee cocccccceee S10 “
The Grand Trunk... scssesesecscecceccccccscces 1112

Thus a total of 2,093 miles have been constructed and put in
operation in Canada within the time stated ; while the present
charge to the Province connected with those railways which have
received public aid, is £4,161,150, or £249,669 per annum, which
will, it is hoped be speedily relieved by the success of the system,
which is now only fairly connected by the completion of the
Victoria Bridge. Reasonable time must be allowed for diverting
traffic from other channels ; but the result cannot be doubtful, as
Canada now possesses, not merely the most perfect inland navi-
gation in the world, but also, in connection with it, a system of
railways certainly unequalled on the American continent, or even,
it is believed, in Europe.

Through the Canadian steamship line, the Grand Trunk is now
recognized, even by the United States Government, as the shortest
and best route for their south-western and western mails, than
which no better evidence could be offered of the wisdom of the
policy so persistently followed by every successive legislature in
Canada for many years. The American cities on the great lakes
are now opening a direct trade through the Canadian waters with
Europe, more than twenty vessels having this year passed through
our canals for English ports ; and the time is not distant when
the full advantages of the St. Lawrence, as the great route from
the interior of the continent to the ocean, will be fully recognized.

In the prosecution of the policy which is now at length
approaching its final, and, it is believed, successful issue, the
great bulk of the public debt of Canada has been contracted.
Enough has been retained out of ordinary revenue to cover what
may be termed purely local works, expenditure upon which has
long since ceased, and the present indebtedness will be found
fully represented by the great public works of which a sketch has
now been given.

The direct debt of Canada, including advances to railways, is
£9,677,672, and after deducting the sinking fund for the redemp-
tion of the Imperial Guaranteed Loan, amounts to £8,884,672, and
the payments on account of the public works of the Province,
without reckoning interest, have been as follows :

Canals, lighthouses and other works connected with
the development of the navigation of the St.

Lawrence, represent....ccccsccscsecccccces £3,962,900
Railway advances,....- eeeoceevvseeeer-taovneseevees 8 4,161,150
Roads and bridges, and improvement of rivers.... 138,350

£8,862,400

The public of England can now judge how far the expenditure
of Canada has been reckless and unwise ; or, whether it has not

been inc
was whd
have bee

Before
proper I
Bonds, ¢

These
by the
The obje
terms th
vince is
and has
either p
crisis in
the Prov
the inte
been key
been thu
upon the
far as re
redeem
indebted

Meas
which v
hold lar,
tional, I

It nox
the: posi:
and I a1
prevails
the imp
based u
with in)

Trunk is now
as the shortest
m mails, than
isdom of the
legislature in
he great lakes
n waters with
assed through
distant when
t route from
y recognized,

w at length
ul issue, the
Mm contracted.
0 cover what
m which has
will be found

a sketch has

) railways, is
‘the redemp-
884,672, and
he Province,

£3,962,900
4,161,150
138,350

£8,862,400

expenditure
er it has not

been incurred for objects in which the prosperity of the country
was wholly bound up, and which fully justified the sacrifices that
have been made to attain them.

Before quitting the subject of the present debt of Canada, it is
proper I should advert to the outstanding Municipal Loan Fund
Bonds, amounting, on Ist December, 1859, to £1,920,160.

These bonds are issued upon the security of a fund constituted
by the municipalities, who have become borrowers to this amount,
The object was to secure on their united credit loans on better
terms than they could obtain as individual borrowers. The Pro-
vince is in no way guarantee for the fund, but acts as trustee,
and has never pledged the general revenue for the payment of
either principal or interest. Owing, however, to the commercial
crisis in 1857, and the bad harvest of that and the following years,
the Province has made large advances to enable the fund to meet
the interest due to the bondholders, with whom faith has thus
been kept by the several municipalities. But the plan having
been thus found to work badly, and to entail unexpected charges
upon the general revenue, the Act was repealed last session, so
far as related to further loans, and the Government authorized to
redeem the outstanding debentures, and to hold them against the
indebted municipalities.

Measures are now been taken for the redemption of this debt,
which will be the more easily effected, as the Government already
hold large amounts of these bonds in trust for the special educa-
tional, Indian and other trust funds.

It now only remains for me to state the commercial policy, and
the position of the trade and finances of the Province of Canada ;
and I am the more desirous of doing so, as great misapprehension
prevails in England on these points, and the steps called for by
the imperative dictates of honor and good faith are represented as
based upon a return to an unsound commercial policy, and fraught
with injustice to our fellow-subjects in Great Britain.

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REE er

PITAL ESD
ee

ene

Canadian statesmen of all parties have invariably adhered to
the faithful and punctual discharge of the obligations of their
country ; they have never swerved from the principle, that what-
ever may be the faults or follies of their Government or Legislature,
the public creditor should not suffer; and supported by the
unanimous voice of the country, Parliament has never hesitated
to provide by taxation for the necessities of the State.

The commercial crisis of 1857, following the reduction of rail-
way expenditure on the completion of the greater part of the
works, and accompanied by a deficient harvest, caused a serious
falling off in the revenue of that year ; and this was succeeded,
in 1858, by a still greater failure of the crop, and, consequently,
even more depressed condition of trade. Attendant upon this

state of things, and as if to tax the energies of the people to the |

utmost, it became necessary, in 1857, to assume the payment of
interest on the railway advances, with the exception of the Great
Western of Canada, amounting to about £200,000 per annum,
and also to advance the interest upon the municipal debt, amount-
ing to about £100,000 per annum.

Dependence could partly be placed upon a revival of trade to @

restore the revenue to its former point ; but this would afford no

means of meeting the future railway and municipal payments ; |

and Parliament had to choose between a continued system of
borrowing to meet deficiencies, or an increase of taxation to such
amount as might, with economy of administration in every branch
of the public service, on a revival of trade, restore the equilibrium
of income and expenditure.
open ; and that was, to exact the terms upon which the railway
advances were made ; and to leave the holders of the municipal
bonds to collect their interest, under the strict letter of the law.

It is true that another course was |

By these steps Canada would certainly have relieved herself from |

the pressure of increased taxation, and might have escaped the
reproaches of those who blame the increase of her customs duties.
But it would have been at the expense of the English capitalists
who had plaeed their faith in the fair treatment of her Govern-

ment an
tion for
to admi

The
and pro
no othe
produce
support
coming
1838, w
the ha
£500,00
policy
maintail
within
the expe
he has n
the expe
been net

It is, |
so far fr
in accor
and in e
showing
Canada

The p

i tive unti
= in harm

Great B
in 1854,
by Canz
with the
place in

of 1841

bly adhered to
tions of their
ole, that what-
or Legislature,
orted by the
1ever hesitated
e.

iction of rail-
ater part of the
used a serious
as succeeded,
consequently,
Jant upon this

e people to the |

he payment of
n of the Great
) per annum,
| debt, amount-

rould afford no

ued system of
xation to such

every branch
e equilibrium

her COUrFSE WAS §&

the railway
he municipal
ter of the law.

bd herself from ‘

p escaped the
stoms duties.
ish capitalists
her Govern-

al of trade to @

al payments ; |

ment and Legislature ; and it would have been but poor consola-
tion for them to know, that, through their loss, Canada was able
to admit British goods at 15 instead of 20 per cent.

The writer has been reproached in this country as the author
and promoter of a protective policy in Canada. To this he makes
no other reply than that the commercial measures which have
produced the results he is about to state, have always had his
support while a member of the Provincial Parliament ; and
coming into office as finance minister of the country in August,
1858, with an exhausted exchequer, in face of a serious failure in
the harvest, and with a positive deficiency of no less than
£500,000 in the revenue for 1858, he rests the defence of his
policy upon the fact, that the present Government of Canada has
maintained the credit of the country unimpeached, and has,
within less than eighteen months, so far succeeded in reducing
the expenditure and increasing the revenue of the Province, that
he has now the satisfaction of stating, that it appears certain that
the expenditure of the year now closed, will be found to have
been nearly, if not quite, within the income.

It is, however, contended that the commercial policy of Canada,
so far from being opposed to that of the mother-country, has been
in accord with it, so far as differing circumstances would permit ;
and in evidence of this position, a statement is herewith appended,
showing the total imports, duty, and free goods imported into
Canada since the Union.

The policy of the mother-country was protective and discrimina-

m tive until 1846, and that of Canada was made, as far as practicable,
sin harmony. Differential duties in favour of the direct trade with

Great Britain existed till 1848, when they were repealed. And
in 1854, the principles of free trade were still more fully adopted
by Canada in the legislation connected with the reciprocity treaty
with the United States. The repeal of the navigation laws took
place in 1849. The policy of Canada has thus, at three periods

of 1841 to 1848, 1849 to 1854, and 1855 to this date, followed

that of Great Britain. Our markets have been thrown open on
equal terms to all the world ; our inland waters are navigated by
foreign vessels on the same terms as by Canadian ; the necessaries
of life entering into the ordinary consumption of the people have
all been made free ; our vast timber and ship-building interests
have been thus developed, and our fisheries encouraged ; and, as
a‘general principle, all raw materials have also been admitted free.

The analysis of the staternent in the appendix gives some
remarkable and instructive results. For the eight years from
1841 to 1848, during which the protective policy existed, the total
imports of Canada, were £22,638,348 ; the total duty collected,
£2,308,499 ; and the total free goods, £509,495. The averages
being £2,829,793, £288,545, and £63,687 ; the duty being thus
about 10} per cent., and the free goods only 2} per cent. of the
whole imports.

For the next period of six years, to the passing of the reciprocity
Acts, and general adoption of more liberal views---1849 to 1854---
the total imports, duty, and free goods, were respectively,
£29,429,934 10s., £3,937,292 11s., £2,012,368 9s. ; averaging,
£4,904,988 10s., £656,215, and £335,395 per annum ; the duty
being thus about 13} per ent., and the free goods nearly 7 per
cent. of the total imports.

For the last period of four years, from 1855 to 1858, the follow-
ing results are shown : Imports, £30,447,879 ; duty, £3,152,281;
free goods, £8,868,250. The annual averages having been

£7,611,970, £788,070, and £2,217,070 ; the duty being 10} per j

cent., and the free goods 29 per cent. of the imports.
The following comparative result appears :

1841 to 1848, average total imports, £2,829,793

1849 to 1854 6 sé 4,904,988

1855 to 1858 sg 86 7,611,970
1841 to 1848, duty, 10} per cent Free Goods, 2} per cent.
1849 to 1854, « 131 « oF «
1855 to 1858, “ 10, « OF; 5 QE a

-Thes
of Cans
trade, n

draw ¢

after ste
above ¢
to mak
which |
followi:
borne |;
the Cus

1858—

From 7th

The |
conside
true th
protecti
the Gov
taxatiol
pelled «
more at
s0 as I
manufa
Govern
to obtai
to do
additio;
and it
Govern
meet th
the pro

hrown open on
e navigated by
the necessaries
he people have
ilding interests
aged ; and, as
admitted free.

‘These comparative statements abundantly prove that the policy
of Canada, in its Customs duties, has neither been repressive of
trade, nor onerous: upon the people. It is, however, necessary to
draw attention to the fact that, from causes which will be here-
after stated, the results for 1858, would somewhat differ from the
above average, my predecessor in office having found it necessary
to make a considerable addition to the Customs duties, by an Act
which took effect on the 7th of August, 1858, which gave the
following results for that particular year, and which must be
borne in mind, when it is necessary to explain the nature of
the Customs Act of:March, 1859.

ix gives some
ht years from
isted, the total
duty collected,

The averages 1858—Imports to 7th August, £3,263,591.

ty being thus Duty, £361,350 ............. Free Goods, £954,845.

yer cent. of the Duty, 11 per cent............ Free Goods, 29 per cent.

| From 7th August, to 31st December, under Tariff of 1858.—Imports, £2,711,448.
Duty, £333,454 ............ Free Goods, £765,760.
Duty, 124 per cent...........Free Goods, 284 per cent.

the reciprocity
1849 to 1854---
: respectively,
8. ; averaging,
im; the duty
is nearly 7 per

The fiscal policy of Canada has invariably been governed by
considerations of the amount of revenue required. It is no doubt
true that a large and influential party exists, who advocate a
protective policy ; but this policy has not been adopted by either
the Government or Legislature, although the necessity of increased
taxation for the purposes of revenue has, to a certain extent, com-
pelled action in partial unison with their views, and has caused
more attention to be given to the proper adjustment of the duties,
so as neither unduly to stimulate nor depress the few branches of
manufacture which exist in Canada. The policy of the present
Government in readjusting the tariff has been, in the first place,
to obtain sufficient revenue for the public wants ; and, secondly,
to do so in such a manner as would most fairly distribute the
additional burthens upon the different classes of the community ;

58, the follow-
r, £3,152,281 ;
having been
eing 104 per |

B and it will undoubtedly be a subject of gratificatiou to the
D Government if they find that the duties absolutely required to
per cent. meet their engagements should incidentally benefit and encourage

the production, in the country, of many of those articles which we
3

now import. The Government have no expectation that the
moderate duties imposed by Canada can produce any consider-
able development of manufacturing industry : the utmost that is
likely to arise is the establishment of works requiring compara-
tively unskilled labour, or of those competing with American
makers, for the production of goods which can be equally well
made in Canada, and which a duty of 20 per cent. will no doubt
stimulate. That these results should flow from the necessity of
increased taxation, is no subject of regret to the Canadian Govern-
ment, nor can it be alleged as any departure, on their part, from
the recognized sound principles of trade, as it will shortly be
shown that the Government were compelled to obtain increased
revenue ; and it is believed that no other course could be relied
on for this result than that adopted.

The increase of taxation is never a popular step, and it may
well be believed that no Government would adopt it without the
strongest conviction that good faith demanded it. It is unpleasant
enough to be exposed to attack in Canada for an unavoidable
increase of duties ; but it is certainly ungenerous to be reproached
by England, when the obligations which have caused the bulk of
the indebtedness of Canada, have been either incurred in com-
pliance with the former policy of Great Britain, or more recently
assumed to protect from loss those parties in England who had
invested their means in our railways and municipal bonds.

The indirect public debt of Canada, including railway advances,
in 1858, was £6,271,762, bearing 6 per cent. interest, which,
prior to 1857, had not been a charge upon the revenue. In that
year, as has been already stated, owing to the commercial crisis,
it became necessary to make large payments upon it, and in 1858,
almost the whole amount had to be met from the general revenue.
In addition to the commercial depression, the harvest of 1857
was below an average, and that of 1858 was nearly a total
failure. It became manifest that the indirect debt must for many
years be a charge upon the country, and Parliament was required

to make
and indi
breach o

pressure
Canada
in maki
exigenci
subsequeé
will be
passed.

After s
possible
possible
ture, an¢
economy
£1,837,6
being £1
was ma
a serious
Governm
required
mend suc
and that
to borrov
of trade °

lof 1858,

recomme
for a pos

The C
have im
whereas
The ne
obtainin
estimate

ation that the
e any consider-
} utmost that is
iring compara-
with American
» equally well
will no doubt
the necessity of
nadian Govern-
their part, from
will shortly be
tain increased
could be relied

, and it may

t it without the

It is unpleasant

an unavoidable
be reproached

sed the bulk of
rred in com-
more recently

and who had
bonds.

way advances,
iterest, which,
enue. In that
mercial crisis,
it, and in 1858,
pneral revenue.
arvest of 1857

nearly a total
must for many
t was required

to make provision for it. The interest on the public debt, direct
and indirect, thus required, in 1858, £636,667 ; and without flagrant
breach of faith it could neither be postponed nor repudiated. The
pressure had come suddenly and heavily upon the people of
Canada ; but neither the Government nor the Legislature hesitated
in making such provision as in their judgment would meet the
exigencies, The Customs Act of 1858 was therefore passed, and
subsequently, with the same objects in view, and others which
will be hereafter explained, the Customs Act of 1859 was also
passed.

After subjecting the engagements of the Province to the strictest
possible scrutiny, the Government were of opinion that it was
possible to reduce the annual outlay on many items of expendi-
ture, and their best efforts were therefore directed towards
economy ; the ordinary expenditure in 1858 having been
£1,837,606, and the estimate for corresponding service in 1859
being £1,540,490. But after making every possible reduction, it
was manifest that unless an increase of revenue could be obtained,
a serious deficiency must occur in 1859. The opinion of the
Government was, that having ascertained the probable amount
required for the service of the year, it was their duty to recom-
mend such measures to Parliament as would supply the deficiency,
and that although during the crisis it might have been justifiable
to borrow money for this purpose, it was no longer so. A revival
of trade was confidently looked to, but owing to the bad harvest

lof 1858, it could not be rapid, and it was deemed proper to

recommend certain additions to the Customs duties, to provide
for a possible diminution in our ordinary importation.

The Cus ms Act of 1859 is evidently believed in England to
have imposed very large additiunal taxation on imported goods,
whereas in reality such was neither the intention nor the fact.
The new tariff was designed certainly with the intention of
obtaining an increased revenue of about £100,000 on the
estimated importations of 1859, but the real increase was looked
3*

for from a revival of trade ; the main object was to re-adjust the
duties so as to make them press more equally upon the com-
munity, by extending the ad valorem principle to all importation,
and thcieby also encouraging and developing the direct trade
between Canada and all foreign countries by sea, and so far
benefiting the shipping interests of Great Britain—an object which
is partly attained through the duties being taken upon the value
in the market where last bought. The levy of specific duties, for
several years, had completely diverted the trade of Canada in
teas, sugars, &c., to the American markets, and had destroyed a
very valuable trade which formerly existed from the St. Lawrence
to the lower provinces and West Indies. It was believed that
the completion of our canal and railroad systems, together with

the improvements in the navigation of the Lower St. Lawrence, |

justified the belief that the supply of Canadian wants might be
once more made by sea, and the benefits of this commerce
obtained for our own merchants and forwarders. Under this
conviction, it was determined by the Government to apply the

principle of ad valorem duties (which already extended to all: |

manufactured goods), to the remaining articles in our tariff. The
principal articles on which it was proposed to obtain additional

revenue, were cotton goods, to be raised from 15 per cent. to 20 |

per cent., and iron, steel, &c., from 5 per cent. to 10 per cent.

This was the whole extent of increased taxation, and it was |

expected to yield £100,000 additional. The changes in teas,
sugars, &c., were all merely nominal, and as already explained,
were proposed as being upon a more correct principle. The
imports for the first three quarters of 1859, say to 30th Septem-
ber—have been—

Imports, £5,403,393 ; duty, £730,640 ; free goods, £1,594,468 ;
the duty being 134 on the imports, and the free goods being 29
per cent. of the whole.

By this statement, it is shown that the increased rate of duty as
compared with the tariff of 1858, as given previously, has only
been from 12} to 13} per cent., which can scarcely be deemed

A is only

f per cen

excessi'
diminut
verified,
out as

country
close of
as we a
harvest

that in t
per cent
9, were

I can
which fi
1858, an
cent. of
duced a
is remal
the imp«
to £5, 4¢
portion «

I will
the Gov
of their
unexpec
subject ¢
remark
1859, c

when th

not railv

D re-adjust the
bon the com-
] importation,
e direct trade
, and so far
object which
pon the value

ific duties, for |

of Canada in
d destroyed a
St. Lawrence
believed that
together with

ants might be
lis: commerce
Under this
at to apply the

tended to all:

ir tariff. The
ain additional

er cent. to 20 |
10 per cent. |
n, and it was |

nges in teas,
dy explained,
‘inciple.
30th Septem-

» £1,594,468 ;
ods being 29

ate of duty as
usly, has only
y be deemed

St. Lawrence, |

The §

3 is only 13} per cent. ; while in the period from 1841 to 1848,

m per cent.; and from 1849 to 1854, when it had only canals, but

excessive ; while so far from the apprehensions entertained of a
diminution of imports and consequent loss of revenue being
verified, in both cases the estimates of the Government are borne
out as nearly as could be expected, considering the state of the
country and its gradual recovery from depression. Until the
close of the year, the comparison cannot fairly be made, inasmuch
as we are only now beginning to benefit from our late good
harvest ; but as an indication of the result, it may be stated,
that in the case of cotton goods, which were raised from 15 to 20
per cent., the importations for the first nine months of 1857-8 and
9, were as follows :

ROD 6 56 dks 4404.49 ob oO @eeeeeaene@@e28ee@ £89,993
58,823
88,844

|, to e@eseeeeeo002800088080 @

1859.... eoeeeeeeceeveeeeeeneeveeene ne

I can also point with satisfaction to the fact, that the proportion
which free goods bear to the whole importation, is exactly that of
1858, and of the average for the four previous years, viz: 29 per
cent. of the imports ; indicating that the new tariff has not pro-
duced any disturbance of trade, nor checked importations ; for it
is remarkable that where so large an increase has taken place in
the imports, as from £4,520,998, in the first nine months of 1858,
to £5,403,393 5s.,in the corresponding period of 1859, the pro-
portion of free goods to the whole remains the same.

I will now proceed to indicate the causes which have induced
the Government and Legislature of Canada to seek, in an increase
of their Customs duties, the means of meeting the large and
unexpected demands upon them. But before finally leaving the
subject of the burdens upon the people of Canada, it is proper to
remark that the rate of duty levied under the present tariff of
1859, covering the cost of all our canal and railway expenditure,

when the Province had neither canals'nor railways, it was 10}

not railways, it was 13} per cent. If it were necessary to offer

an argument on the subject, it might be very easily shown that
any increase of duty which has been placed on English goods, is
quite indemnified by the decreased cost at which our canals,
railways and steamships enable them now to be delivered
throughout the Province, and that if the question were one of
competition with Canadian manufacturers, the English exporter
is quite as well off as befoe, while as compared with the
American, his position is greatly improved.

In proceeding to offer some observations upon the principle
upon which taxation is imposed in Canada, I may remark that
the views of those who cavil at the policy of Canada, seem to be
based upon the assumption that free trade is both the principle
and practice of Great Britain, and should be adopted by Canada,
irrespective of its financial necessities.

It certainly appears singular that Canada should be reproached
with a departure from sound principles of finance, when, in order
to pay her just debts, she imposes higher duties on the articles
she herself consumes, when in England itself the same means are
resorted to, and no less than £28,000,000 sterling obtained from
Customs duties, and £17,000,000 from Excise. If in Great
Britain, where such an enormous amount of realized wealth
exists, it has only as yet been found possible to raise one-sixth of
the revenue by direct taxation, it need require no excuse if
Canada has to raise her revenue almost wholly by indirect means.

Free trade, in the abstract, must be taken to mean the free
exchange of the products of industry of all countries, or of the
inhabitants of the same country, and it is perfectly immaterial
whether that industry be applied to the production of a pound of
sugar or tobacco, or of a tenpenny nail or a bushel of malt ; it is
equally an interference with the principle to levy customs duties
or excise on any. But it is, and probably will continue to be,
impossible to abandon customs duties or excise as a means of
reveriue ; they afford the means of levying large sums by the
taxation of articles of consumption, distributing the burden in

almost
advant
nity cq
Great I
make
wants ¢
exists,
require
require
the mo
long ti
our rev

Adm
for the
obtaine
like th
interfer
effected
fiscal p
that, wi
legislat
calcula
that of
materia
total im
and ar
ships al
cent. d
per cen
articles
manufa
are cha

| while |

&c., ar
bulk a
sugar @

+ shown that
tlish goods, is
ch our canals,
be delivered
were one of
glish exporter
red with the

the principle
ry remark that
ja, seem to be
the principle
d by Canada,

be reproached
when, in order
n the articles
me means are
obtained from
If in Great
alized wealth
se one-sixth of
no excuse if
direct means.

ean the free

tries, or of the
ly immaterial
of a pound of

of malt; it is
stoms duties

ontinue to be,
a means of

2 sums by the
the burden in

almost inappreciable quantities, and in one respect have this
advantage, that, if fairly imposed, each individual in the commu-
nity contributes in a tolerably fair proportion to his means. In
Great Britain it may be possible to adjust the taxation, so as to
make realized property contribute more than it now does to the
wants of the State ; but in a country like Canada no such resource
exists, and it would be perfectly hopeless to attempt to raise the
required revenue by direct taxation—we neither possess) the
required machinery to do it, nor are the people satisfied that it is
the more correct principle. Customs duties must therefore for a
long time to come continue to be the principal source from which
our revenue is derived.

Admitting, therefore, the necessity of raising a certain amount
for the wants of the State, and that such amount can only be
obtained through Customs duties, the Government of Canada,
like that of Great Britain, have to consider how that necessary
interference with the true principle of political economy, can be
effected with least disturbance to trade. And judging of the
fiscal policy of the present Government by this rule, it is contended
that, with some trifling exceptions, which must arise in all human
legislation, the Customs duties are imposed in the manner least
calculated to disturb the free exchange of Canadian labour with
that of other countries. A large class of articles termed raw
materials, are admitted free, amounting to 29 per cent. of the
total imports. Another large class consisting of iron, steel, metals
and articles entering into the construction of railways, houses,
ships and agricultural implements, &c., are admitted at 10 per
cent. duty ; leather, and partially manufactured goods, pay 15
per cent. ; manufactured goods, made from raw materials, or
articles paying 10 per cent, duty, are admitted at 20 per cent. ;
manufactured goods, made from articles paying 15 per cent. duty,
are charged 25 per cent., but this is exceptional, and very limited ;
| while luxuries, comprising wines, tobacco, segars and spices,

&c., are charged at rates varying from 30 to 40 per cent., but the
bulk are of 30 per cent. Spirits are charged 100 per cent.
sugar and molasses, pay 15 per cent. and 30 per cent.

Tea,

The distribution of duties on the whole imports therefore stands
thus :

Duties. Imports.
Bred GOvds: .'ycences ccnqeseecetepooscee esse O * 29 per cent.
Goods paying 10 per cent............. oacccce 44 64,“
‘6 i. FEO Me” eyeserscteaeenen's te SG 64
66 QE lV ecaeegus eat ecslenanes 61 41 «
“ BF OD NE ncbe machin paw aie aneurin 13 a
“6 “over 25 per cent., including Spirits 93 4 «
Tea, Sugar and Molasses. ..........0e0e. oss Ob 12 «6
100 =100

The foregoing statement will show that if the attempt were]

made to reduce the duty on manufactured goods paying 20 per
cent., it would necessitate an advance on the other items, unless
such reduction produced a corresponding increase in consumption
to make good the deficiency. Assuming then that the duty were
reduced from 20 to 10 per cent., it will not be contended that this
reduction, though affecting the revenue one-half on these articles,
would induce double the consumption ; on the contrary, it is
believed that it would not affect the consumption at all, as is

borne out by the statistics of previous years, and of the presenti
It would then become necessary to meet the deficiency by}

ear.
fnarsancd duties elsewhere ; and in selecting the articles, it is in
the first place impossible to touch the bulk of the free goods, most
of which are free under the reciprocity treaty, and the remainder
entitled to continue free according to sound principles of trade.
Passing to the next class of 10 per cent. goods, it will not surely

be contended that the scale of duty should be raised on quasif
raw materials to a rate im excess of that imposed on manufactures.

There is then nothing left but the articles paying over 25 per
cent., and it must be observed that they form only 4 per cent. ol
the imports, and pay 9} per cent. of the duties ; if, therefore, it
‘were necessary to make good the deficiency arising from a reduc-
tion of duty on manufactures, the proportion of duty to the wholef
they would have to pay would be increased from 93 per cent. to
40 per cent., and the average rate of duty on these articles,

| readers

instead
nearly |
such al
and tha
&c., it I
those nc
unfavou

agricult

Apart
suggest,
the reve
the Prov
duties is
accordal
tions in
populati
will be :
ment, as
possible.

In the

tional ga
tively s
only fu
produce
and cire
removin
many t
Colonies

I hav
Canada.
in every
perly be
of the de

therefore stands

Imports.
29 per cent.
64 66
64 it 3
41 “
1 6“
4 6c
12 66
100

» attempt were
Is paying 20 per
er items, unless
in consumption
at the duty were
itended that this

mn these articles, §

e contrary, it is
n at all, as is

d of the presenti

e deficiency by
articles, it is in
free goods, most
d the remainder
iples of trade.
t will not surely

raised on quasiq
n manufactures.
g over 25 pelj

ly 4 per cent. ol
; if, therefore, it
g from a reduc:

ty to the wholej

93 per cent. to
these articles,

instead of $2 per cent., or thereabout, would be increased to
nearly 130 per cent. It is scarcely necessary to point out that
such an increase would be utterly incompatible with revenue,
and that the result would be a financial failure. On tea, sugar,
&c., it has been found impossible to maintain higher duties than
those now imposed—as they are free in the United States, and
unfavourable comparisons are even now instituted by our
agricultural population.

Apart from such modifications in detail, as experience may
suggest, the Government of Canada believe that in order to raise
the revenue imperatively required to preserve the good faith of
the Province, and to maintain its institutions, the scale of Customs
duties is not excessive, and that it has been adjusted in general
accordance with sound principles of political economy. Reduc-
tions in the scale of duties can only take place as the increasing
population and wealth of Canada swell the importations, and it
will be a subject of the highest gratification to the present Govern-
ment, as well as to the Legislature, when such reduction is
possible.

In the foregoing pages I have endeavoured to give to English

@ readers an idea, however imperfect, of the progress of constitu-

tional government in Canada, and its fruits, during the compara-
tively short period of ten years. I am aware that my remarks
only furnish, as it were, an index to the volume ; but if they
produce more inquiry and a stricter investigation into the position
and circumstances of the Province, they may be the means of
removing some misapprehension, and thus prove of service to the

f many thousands in Great Britain, who anxiously look to the

Colonies as their future home.

I have sought to avoid all reference to political parties in
Canada. We have our differences, and struggles for power, as

in every other free country ; but these discussions, I think, pro-
perly belong to ourselves, as from our own people the Government
Canada stands at the bar

of the day must receive their verdict.
4

42
of public ‘opinion in England, ‘to be judged, not by the acts of

any party, but as ‘a whole ; ‘and no public man, possessing any &

claim to patriotism, would ‘seek, by parading our sectional
difficulties‘and disputes, to gain position in ‘Canada, ‘through the
disparagement of his ‘country and her acts in England. I will
venture 'to'‘add only one remark, and that is called for ‘by an
impression which I ‘find to exist as to the political course taken
by our French Canadian brethren in Canada. ‘During the entire
period from 1849, to the present day, the French Canadian
majority from Lower Canada, has been represented fully in the

Cabinet ; and with their active concurrence in the initiation and |

progress of every measure, and supported by their votes in Par-
liament, all the great reforms I have recited, have been carried.

In conclusion, I venture to express-my conviction, that whatever
may be the future destinies of Canada, her .people will .always
value as their most precious right, the free and liberal institutions
they enjoy, and will cherish the warmest sentiments of regard
towards the mother-country, from whom they have received them.
The future may change our political relations ; but I feel sure
the day will never arrive when Canada will withhold her support,
however feeble it maybe, from’Great Britain, in any contest ‘for
the maintenance of her own position, as the foremost champion
of civil and religious ‘liberty. :

Lonpon, Ist January, 1860.

1849 ..,
1850 ...

| by the acts of

yossessing any

our sectional
da, through the
igiand. I will
led for ‘by an
al course taken
aring the entire
ynch Canadian
d fully in the

» initiation and |

iy votes in Par-
been carried.

1, that whatever

e will always
eral institutions

ments of regard §

received them.

but I feel sure
old her support,
ny contest for
most champion

43
APPENDIX.

Statement of the value of goods imported into Canada, with the
amount of duty ‘collected thereon, from the year 1841, to
30th September, 1859, inclusive ; ‘also, the value of free
goods imported during the same time.

Year. | Imports. | Duty. | Free Goods.
£ s. d £ s. d. £ s. d,
ee 2,694,160 14 6 225,834 7 10 146,268 17 8
1842.......... | 2,588,682 13 2| 278,930 7 4 85,944 2 4
$8AS... os actus 2,421,306 16 4} 241,572 9 0 13,526 18 0
1844........ 4,331,050 17 4| 441,331 15 2 $3,666 10 4
1845.......... 4,191,325 16 6| 449,960 1 7 59,061 17 4
1846.......... 4,515,821 1 11 422,215'16 8 61,300 10 8
Estimated ).

1847......... 3,609,692 14 -H1 414,633 5 6 77139¢° 4
1848.......... 3,191,328 5 10 334,029 8 9 92,978 0 0
27,543,319 0 6 | 2,808,507 11 10 619,886 1 8
1849 ......... 3,002,801 18 3 | 444,547 5 1 | 269,200 7 9
1850 ......... 4,245,517 3 6 615,694 13 °8 294,138 7 2
1851.......... 5,358,697 12 7| 737,439 0 2 | 425,671 5 9
1852.......... 5,071,623 311 739,263 12 9 311,962 17 4
TONG cansicees 7,995,359 1 11 1,028,67615 7 443,977 18 1
1854.......... 10,132,331 6 9 | 1,224,751 4 8 703,435 17 1
35,806,420 6 1 4,790,372 11 11 2,448,381 13 2
1855 ......... 9,021,542 7 3 881,445'12 6 2,596,388 138 8
1856........ 10,896,096 16 2] 1,127,220 10 5 2,997,941 14 9
ee | 9,857,649 11 9 981,262 15 11 8,101,976 1 7
1858........ 7,269,631 15 0 845,347 7 7 2,093,403 10 0
37,044,920 10 2] 3,835,276 6 5 | 10,789,705 0 0

1859 to 30th
September..| 6,574,128 5 0! 888,946:15 4 1,915,608 0 0

Inspector General’s Office,
‘Customs Department.
Quebec, 22nd October, 1859.

N. B.—In the foregoing pages, the above figures have been reduced ‘to their
equivalent in sterling money,

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